Strange Dolls Cult, Puppets Dance (7")

Catastrophe Ballet Records

Posted by Horrid, April 5, 2007

It seems that deathrock is at a new peak of popularity and with it a rash of new good bands to join the ranks of the pioneers, and Strange Dolls Cult impressed the hell out of me (and everyone I play them for.) In a drunken haze, I dimly remember DJ Cityrocker giving me their 7" and I had just gotten my turntable fixed so I gave it a whirl. What I heard were elements of all of my favorite deathrock bands (Southern Death Cult, Sex Gang Children, Cinema Strange, Rozz, Specimen) all used well. The two songs, Puppets Dance and Ruins of Western Civilization, are both danceable and spooky, well arranged and relatively addictive. The Strange Dolls Cult is based in Vienna, Austria and formed in 2005. Like most deathrockers they are fashionably dressed, and if you like death rock, you should buy this 7", available at Corrosion Records for $4, or from the band in Vienna, or from the label (Catastrophe Ballet).

Combichrist, What The F**k Is Wrong With You People

Metropolis Records

Posted by Rodentsky, April 5, 2007

This release is not too different from the previous release "Everybody Hates You", but is extremely good at what its main aim seems to be — angry, stompy, clubby music with a primal edge to it. That's not too say there are no differences from the previous release; there is a strong organic and raw feel to the track Red; and an old-skool elektro feel to the track In The Pit. I wouldn't say this is a release made for deep contemplation, more for when you're pissed off at the world, frustrated with people, or just want to get your groove on. With that said, you can still sense that in the background the band is having a laugh at themselves and the so-called electroheads listening to this music, especially with such song titles as F**k That S**t and Shut Up and Swallow.

This release is also available with a limited 2nd disc (if you buy the import). The songs on the second disc are a mixture of rhythmic noise, minimal techno and techno body music. The songs seems more like ten movements of a one piece of music rather then individual tracks, as each track seamlessly flows into the next. However, there are still enough changes throughout and between each track so as to not come across as repetitive or boring.